Centralized or Decentralized?
A (Not So) Simple Decision.
The most efficient PV system concept is the result of varying demands.
What are the determining arguments when deciding on a PV power plant concept? The rule that large and
very large PV power plants operate better with central inverters and that smaller power plants operate better
with decentralized inverters is not necessarily true. In PV project business worldwide over the past few years,
many PV power plants have been built with decentralized architectures, while demand for increasingly more
powerful central inverters for these projects has grown steadily. There is no single choice that results in an
optimal PV plant concept; instead, a wide range of technical and commercial requirements must be weighed
in combination with the client’s highly individual needs. In the end, efficiency is what counts.
Centralized: PV Power Plants Pay Off Through Yields in the
Multi-Digit Megawatt Range and Simple Construction
Planning and Installation
In the planning phase of a centralized PV power plant, the primary focus is on reliable information about the
anticipated system performance and whether the PV project is future-proof.
Benefits at a Glance:
• Easy to simulate through use of a model
• Low system price
• Clear and dynamic system performance
• Cost-effective communications network with only a few devices
• Proven technology for plants up to 700 MW
• Higher control dynamics
• Future viability with regard to grid management services
• Standard transport of inverters by truck
• Simple construction
Distributed
Centralized
Commissioning
SMA Service can guarantee a simpler and, in particular, faster commissioning process for centralized PV power
plant projects because there are fewer inverters in the module field.
Operating phase
High energy yields, low system costs and future viability are benefits of PV power plant projects with central
inverters.
Benefits at a Glance:
• Maximum level of efficiency with low self-consumption enables highest possible yields
• Low transmission losses and multiple connections at a higher voltage level
• Simple monitoring thanks to a managable number of inverters
• Easy access to individual central inverters
• Plant expansion is exceptionally simple
• Additional revenue from first-level support
Decentralized: PV Power Plants Offer Advantages
Over the Entire Life Cycle of the PV Plant
Planning and Installation
The PV plant’s flexible design possibilities and simple installation are notable advantages of PV projects with a
decentralized structure.
Benefits at a Glance:
• Maximum flexibility in plant design with regard to module types and their arrangement
• DC side: installation close to modules with low installation costs
• Low transportation costs
• Easy transportation even in difficult ambient conditions
• Fast installation, many assembly options without additional expense
• Simple construction based on principles of copy and paste
Distributed
Distributed Groups
Centralized Group
Commissioning
PV power plants with a decentralized structure enable quick installation of the individual string inverters and
make good use of the space available by factoring in location specifics.
Operating phase
A high level of plant availability and quick device replacement when service is required are additional positive
aspects of PV power plants with a decentralized structure.
Benefits at a Glance:
• Higher yield due to lower mismatching losses (numerous MPP Trackers)
• Lowest possible operating costs
• Inverter can be replaced quickly, resulting in a high level of plant availability
• Simple disassembly and removal of PV power plant in case of resale
•Remarkably simple options for plant expansion
SMA Offers the Right Solution for Every Need
Lowest system costs, attractive and reliable return on investment, highest energy yields, top quality standards,
lowest operating expenditure, both OPEX and CAPEX—all of these are of interest to PV power plant builders
and operators as well as investors. These, along with other aspects such as terrain, size and the PV plant’s
flexibility, will serve as the basis for the selection on an individual PV power plant concept. With over 30
years of international experience, innovative inverters and system solutions, comprehensive project support and
flexible system concepts, SMA always has the most efficient and economical solution, whether for centralized
or decentralized configurations.
1.
Specific price
2.
Service costs
3.
Energy yield (efficiency, self-consumption)
4.
Little expertise necessary for planning and installation
5.
Proximity to residential developments
6.
Simple communication concept
7.
Grounding on DC side
8.
No risk from process identifier
9.
High level of availability
Centralized
Decentralized
10. Easy to access for roof installations
11. Control speed
SMA Solar Technology AG
Sonnenallee 1
34266 Niestetal
Phone: +49 (0)561 9522-0
Fax: +49 561 9522-100
Email: Powerplants@SMA.de
www.SMA.de/powerplants
WP_CENTRALIZED-DECENTRALIZED AEN130710 SMA and Sunny Central are registered trademarks of SMA Solar Technology AG. Printed on FSC paper.
All products and services described and all technical data are subject to change, even for reasons of country-specific deviations, at any time without notice. SMA assumes no liability for typographical and other errors. For the latest information, please visit SMA-SOLAR.com.
Criterion